Many people have the misconception that drinking more water will increase the burden on their kidneys. However, according to medical studies, the proportion of adults in mainland China suffering from chronic kidney disease has reached a staggering 10.8%. Unhealthy drinking habits, such as drinking strong tea regularly, drinking water only when we're thirsty, or substituting drinks instead of water, can invisibly damage our kidneys.
In fact, getting into the habit of drinking plenty of water can be very beneficial in reducing stress on the kidneys. Xu Gaosi, senior chief physician of the Department of Nephrology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, explained that the production of urine is first a series of filtration processes carried out in the kidneys to produce thin primary urine, and then these primary urine forms the urine we excrete in the concentration process.
This concentration process consumes a lot of energy and puts a lot of strain on the kidneys. But if we drink plenty of water in moderation, we can reduce the workload of the kidneys in concentrating raw urine, thus reducing the pressure on the kidneys.
If you have 4 abnormalities after drinking water, seek medical attention as soon as possible
Frequent urination but decreased urination
Frequent feelings of need to urinate, but only a small amount of urine at a time, may indicate urethral inflammation, bladder lesions, or other urinary problems. This condition usually requires a urine test to confirm the presence of an infection or urological disorder.
Puffiness or sudden weight gain
Abnormal swelling or sudden weight gain after drinking water can be a sign of kidney insufficiency or heart disease. This indicates that there may be too much fluid accumulated in the body and kidney function tests or heart tests, such as an echocardiogram, are needed.
Blood in the urine
If you notice a bloody urine after drinking water, it may be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other urinary disorders. Blood in the urine is an emergency symptom and medical help should be sought immediately for a corresponding diagnosis to determine the cause.
Severe abdominal or back pain
Severe abdominal or back pain after drinking water can be a sign of kidney stones, bladder stones, or other kidney disease. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate examinations and treatments.
Proper drinking habits
Take the initiative to hydrate: Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. Thirst is a late alarm for the body to be dehydrated. To maintain the body's water balance, it is recommended that adults actively replenish at least 1500ml of water daily.
First Morning Drink Options: Drinking light salt water in the morning isn't for everyone. For people with high blood pressure or older people, it can exacerbate dehydration and blood pressure problems. Light salt water is mainly used for dehydration after strenuous exercise or diarrhea to replenish electrolyte balance. In general, ordinary people should give preference to plain water or low-strength tea as the first drink in the morning.
The Importance of Purified Water: While lemonade or light tea is a good choice, purified water intake should not be overlooked. It is the foundation for maintaining good health.
Avoid carbonated drinks and milk tea: Carbonated drinks and milk tea should not be used as a substitute for daily water intake. These drinks may exacerbate thirst and not effectively replenish the body's water needs. If persistent thirst occurs, possible health problems should be considered and addressed through appropriate diet and lifestyle modifications.